Tennis with Mom

Mary McNamara’s column, “When the Game Takes on a Life of Its Own, We All Win” (July 15), hit home in my case, where it also applies to strengthening family ties. My two sisters and I, all in our 40s, have been playing tennis together almost every Sunday morning for at least 10 years.

It’s a weekly ritual that has helped us bond despite raising families, making career changes and enduring family crises.

Our mother, who taught us the game when we were small, was our fourth until she died five years ago of cancer at age 66. She was an inspiration -- she played tennis up until the end, did aerobics four times a week, bicycled regularly and walked several miles daily. My sisters and I hope that someday we’ll be in as good shape as she was.

I’m grateful for the Sunday morning games and I hope we play into our 60s and beyond, with friends, our children and (someday?) grandchildren serving as fourths.

So Mary, if you want to get into a new Sunday morning tennis game, we’re always looking for a fourth.

Jane Schrenzel

Lake Forest